Two Indian Navy women officers to embark on Navika Sagar Parikrama II

Team Herald

PANJIM: Indian Navy has made significant efforts to revitalise the sailing tradition, emphasising its commitment to preserving maritime heritage and promoting seamanship skills. Through the pioneering efforts of Sail Training Ships INS Tarangini and INS Sudarshini and circumnavigation onboard INSVs Mhadei and Tarini, the Indian Navy has taken centre stage in Ocean Sailing expeditions.

Continuing with the celebration of maritime skill and adventure, two Indian Navy women officers - Lt Cdr Roopa A and Lt Cdr Dilna K would embark on the extraordinary expedition of circumnavigating the globe – Navika Sagar Parikrama II onboard INSV Tarini very shortly. The duo are preparing themselves for this expedition for the last three years.

The officers as part of the six-member crew had participated in the trans-oceanic expedition from Goa to Rio de Janeiro via Cape Town and back last year. Thereafter, the officers undertook a sailing expedition from Goa to Port Blair and back in double-handed mode. Further, the duo successfully undertook a sortie from Goa to Port Louis, Mauritius again in dual-handed mode early this year, states a press release.

Sagar Parikrama would be a gruelling voyage requiring extreme skills, physical fitness and mental alertness. The officers have been training rigorously and gained thousands of miles of experience under their belt. They are also being trained under the mentorship of ace circumnavigator, and Golden Globe Race hero, Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd.), KC, NM.

The circumnavigation of INSV Tarini will be a significant step forward in India's ocean sailing enterprise and maritime endeavours, showcasing the nation's growing prominence in global maritime activities and gender equality on the high seas.

Meanwhile, signifying the importance of this historic event in the maritime calendar, Indian Navy unveiled the logo of the expedition. The octagonal shape in the centre depicts the Indian Navy, while the sun signifies a celestial body and the compass, guiding the sailors through the challenging seas. The sailboat making its way through the vastness of the ocean symbolises the spirit of adventure and resilience of the voyagers. The all-women crew of the expedition is a testament to the Indian Navy's commitment to fostering gender equality and excellence.